Pope Francis' message for #Rio2016 Olympics
Pope Francis sent out this tweet today, ahead of the start of the Rio Olympics: Good luck to the athletes at #Rio2016! May you always be messengers of goodwill and true sporting spirit.
Earlier, during the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis gave the following message for the Olympics:
I would like to send an especially warm greeting to the Brazilian people, in particular to the city of Rio de Janeiro, which is hosting the athletes and passionate fans from all over the world on the occasion of the Olympics.
In a world thirsting for peace, tolerance, and reconciliation, I hope that the spirit of the Olympic Games inspires all - participants and spectators - to "fight the good fight" and finish the race together (cf. 2 Tim 4,7-8), desiring to obtain as a prize, not a medal, but something much more precious: the construction of a civilisation in which solidarity reigns and is based upon the recognition that we are all members of the same human family, regardless of the differences of culture, skin colour, or religion.
And for all Brazilians, who with their joy and characteristic hospitality have organised the 'Feast of Sport', I hope that this will be an opportunity to overcome difficult moments and commit themselves to working as a team to build a more just and safe country, betting all on a future full of hope and joy.
May God bless you all!